Absorptive insulative cup sleeve

ABSTRACT

An absorptive insulative cup sleeve is formed in normally open condition which can easily be stored in a flat condition by cutting a flat, elongated band body from blank stock fabric so as to have top and bottom arcuate edges concentric to and in parallel with each other, and end edges at opposite ends of the band. A stiffening means is also formed by cutting a flat, elongated band from bank stock so as to have top and bottom arcuate edges concentric to and in parallel with each other, and end edges at opposite ends of the band, and further dimensioned to mate with the top edge of the body and to reach only part way to the bottom edge of the bottom edge of the body. The stiffening means is fixedly attached along the common top edges and along the stiffening body bottom edge to the elongated body of the absorptive insulative cup sleeve. The ends of the absorptive insulative cup sleeve with the attached stiffening means are then fixedly attached to one another.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a reusable sleeve that insulates andabsorbs condensation protecting the holder's hand while holding abeverage cup.

2. Description of the Related Art

When coffee, tea, iced tea, and other drinks commonly sold and dispensedin disposable paper cups are carried, in many instances the temperatureof the contents of the cup is such as to create discomfort in the handsand fingers of the holder. In the case of iced drinks condensation onthe outside surface of the cup also wets the hands and fingers of theholder.

To combat this problem, convenience stores, fast food retail outlets,and boutique coffee retail outlets often “double cup” coffee and otherhot drinks. Another approach employed by some manufacturers of hot drinkcups is to provide an integral band of synthetic material which isformed in the manufacturing process to provide an Insulative layer. Bothof these approaches tend to be expensive, only partially effective, andin the case of cold drinks do nothing to prevent condensation on theoutside of the cup.

More recently, a number of persons have designed and provided disposablesleeves which slip over the outside surface of the drink cup to provideinsulation between the contents of the cup and the hands and fingers ofthe holder. These sleeves take numerous forms and are made of paper.Some also incorporate “corrugation” features to help provide additionalinsulation. However, they only add to the disposable waste material thatmust be recycled or placed in a landfill. There has also been designed athermoplastic corrugated holder similar to design to the paper sleevesbut transparent to allow for the cup indicia to show through. But againthey are disposable and require waste handling. All of these sleeves aredesigned either to be fitted to the cup at the time of dispensing thebeverage either by the seller or the user, or they are pre-assembled butstored flat requiring two hands to use, one hand being used to open andhold open the sleeve and the other hand used to insert the cup. Therehas also been designed a cup sleeve constructed of a felt materialsimilar to the paper cup sleeves. This design can provide condensationabsorption as well as insulation but it also requires that two hands beused to insert a beverage cup into the sleeve.

It is therefore desirable to have a cup holder sleeve which ispre-assembled and which holds itself open to allow insertion of abeverage cup using only one hand. It is further desirable to providesuch a cup holder sleeve that is reusable and therefore lowers theamount of waste material created each time a beverage in a paper cup ispurchased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an absorptive insulative cup sleevethat is both reusable and which allows a beverage cup to be insertedinto it using only one hand.

More particularly, the invention resides in the stiffening band on thetop portion of the interior sleeve wall that holds the sleeve in an openposition so that a beverage cup may be inserted therein yet is pliantenough to allow the sleeve to be stored flat when not in use.

One object of the present invention is to provide an absorptiveinsulative cup sleeve made of a woven or felted material which is bothinsulative and moisture absorbent requiring only one hand to place abeverage cup into.

Another object of the present invention is an absorptive insulative cupsleeve having improved durability by having protective structure on theupper and lower edges of said sleeve.

A further object of the present invention is an absorptive insulativecup sleeve having a normally open configuration allowing one handinsertion of a beverage cup therein comprising an elongated absorptivefabric body having a top and a bottom edge said edges being straight andin parallel with each other having a desired width, said top and bottomedges having a top edge and a bottom edge protection means, and furtherhaving a first end edge and a second end edge at opposite ends of saidelongated absorptive fabric band; an elongated stiffening means having atop and a bottom edge said edges being straight and in parallel witheach other and having the same length and dimensions as said elongatedabsorptive fabric body, also having a first end edge and a second endedge, the desired width being less than that of said elongatedabsorptive fabric body; wherein said elongated stiffening means top edgeis aligned with and fixedly attached to the top edge of said elongatedabsorptive fabric body by said top edge protection means, and said firstend edge and said second end edge of said elongated absorptive fabricand of said elongated stiffening means being fixedly attached together;thereby producing an absorptive insulative cup sleeve that is normallyheld in an open configuration allowing for easy one hand insertion of abeverage cup and which may be collapsed for storage.

Yet another object of the present invention is an absorptive insulativecup sleeve having a normally open configuration allowing one handinsertion of a beverage cup therein comprising an elongated absorptivefabric body having a top and a bottom edge in arcuate form beingconcentric to and in parallel with each other having a desired width,said top and bottom edges having a top edge and a bottom edge protectionmeans, and further having a first end edge and a second end edge atopposite ends of said elongated absorptive fabric band; an elongatedstiffening means having a top and a bottom edge in arcuate form beingconcentric to and in parallel with each other and having the same lengthand arcuate form dimensions as said elongated absorptive fabric body,also having a first end edge and a second end edge, the desired widthbeing less than that of said elongated absorptive fabric body; whereinsaid elongated stiffening means top edge is aligned with and fixedlyattached to the top edge of said elongated absorptive fabric body bysaid top edge protection means, said bottom edge of said elongatedstiffening means is fixedly attached to the elongated absorptive fabricbody at a desired point less than the width of said elongated absorptivefabric body by an attaching means, and said first end edge and saidsecond end edge of said elongated absorptive fabric and of saidelongated stiffening means being fixedly attached together; therebyproducing an absorptive insulative cup sleeve that is normally held inan open configuration allowing for easy one hand insertion of a beveragecup and which may be collapsed for storage.

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained fromthe drawings and detailed description that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows perspective front view of a representative embodiment ofthe absorptive insulative cup sleeve positioned around a beverage cup.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective rear view of the absorptive insulative cupsleeve of the present invention showing the stiffening band and sleeveseam.

FIG. 3 shows an exterior plan view of the starting configuration of anelongated band having straight parallel long sides for forming theabsorptive insulative cup sleeve of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an interior plan view of the starting configuration of anelongated band having straight parallel long sides for forming theabsorptive insulative cup sleeve of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an exterior plan view of the starting configuration of anelongated band having arcuate parallel long sides for forming theabsorptive insulative cup sleeve of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an interior plan view of the starting configuration of anelongated band having arcuate parallel long sides for forming theabsorptive insulative cup sleeve of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, a cup 20 having tapered sides is held in theabsorptive insulative cup sleeve 10, having a body 1 with body edgeprotective means 2 and 3, by inserting the cup through its opened endsand press fitting therein.

FIG. 2 shows the reverse side of absorptive insulative cup sleeve 10having a body 1 with body edge protective means 2 and 3, stiffening orstabilizing means 4, and absorptive insulative cup sleeve assembly means5 fixedly attaching first end edge 7 to second end edge 8 (FIGS. 3-4).

FIG. 3 shows the outside surface of an absorptive insulative cup sleeve10 in accordance with the present invention is formed from an elongatedbody 1 made of an insulating and moisture absorbing woven or feltedflexible material. The elongated body 1 has a top edge which isprotected by a body edge protective means 2 and a bottom edge which isprotected by a body edge protective means 3 both straight and inparallel with each other. Elongated body 1 also has a first end edge 7and a second end edge 8. The elongated body 1 has a width dimension fromabout 1.5 inches to about 4 inches, preferably about 4 inches.

FIG. 4 there is shown the inside surface of an absorptive insulative cupsleeve 10 in accordance with the present invention is formed from anelongated body 1 made of an insulating and moisture absorbing woven orfelted flexible material having an elongated body stiffening orstabilizing means 4 fixedly attached to the upper portion of saidelongated body 1 and extending only a portion of the distance from thetop edge to the bottom edge of said elongated body 1. Preferably the topedge of stiffening or stabilizing means 4 is fixedly attached toelongated body 1 top edge by the body edge protective means 2. Thebottom edge of stiffening or stabilizing means 4 is not fixedly attachedto said elongated body I in the preferred embodiment. Stiffening orstabilizing means 4 comprises an elongated body having a top edge and abottom edge, said edges both being straight and in parallel with eachother and of the same dimensions as said elongated body 1; and furtherhaving a first end edge and a second end edge like that of elongatedbody 1 but having a width that is less than that of the width of body 1.

FIG. 5 shows the outside surface of an absorptive insulative cup sleeve10 in accordance with the present invention is formed from an elongatedbody 1 made of an insulating and moisture absorbing woven or feltedflexible material. The elongated body 1 has a top edge which isprotected by a body edge protective means 2 and a bottom edge which isprotected by a body edge protective means 3 both in arcuate formconcentric to and in parallel with each other. Elongated body 1 also hasa first end edge 7 and a second end edge 8. The elongated body 1 has awidth dimension from about 1.5 inches to about 4 inches, preferablyabout 4 inches.

Turning to FIG. 6 there is shown the inside surface of an absorptiveinsulative cup sleeve 10 in accordance with the present invention isformed from an elongated body 1 made of an insulating and moistureabsorbing woven or felted flexible material having an elongated bodystiffening or stabilizing means 4 fixedly attached to the upper portionof said elongated body 1 and extending only a portion of the distancefrom the top edge to the bottom edge of said elongated body 1.Preferably the top edge of stiffening or stabilizing means 4 is fixedlyattached to elongated body 1 top edge by the body edge protective means2. The bottom edge of stiffening or stabilizing means 4 is not fixedlyattached to said elongated body 1 in the preferred embodiment.Stiffening or stabilizing means 4 comprises an elongated body having atop edge and a bottom edge, said edges in parallel with each other andof the same dimensions as said elongated body 1; and further having afirst end edge and a second end edge like that of elongated body 1 buthaving a width that is less than that of the width of body 1.

The concentric top and bottom arcuate edges and flexible material resultin a truncated conical, tapered form. However, the non-arcuate edges andflexible material for the amount of taper of a typical beverage cup alsoresults in a conical form which substantially also results in atruncated conical, tapered form. Instead of a smooth curve, the top andbottom edges may be cut with a decorative pattern for a more pleasingappearance. The shape of the top edge will mirror the bottom edge whensuccessive units are formed by a single cut.

In one preferred embodiment the outside surface of elongated body 1 isimprinted with a decorative design, a brand logo, or the like andcombinations thereof. This imprinting may take the form of embossing,embroidery, heat transfer, or stenciling for example. The presentlypreferred method of imprinting is heat transfer.

Many woven or felted fabric materials are suitable for use in thepresent invention including synthetic fleece, natural woven fabric,natural felted fabric, synthetic woven fabric, synthetic felted fabric,and the like. Preferably, the fabric has both insulative and moistureabsorptive properties. Suitable fabrics include for example, polarfleece, micro fiber fleece, 4-Way Power Stretch fabric of Malden Mills,pile knit sold as Minky, interlock-knit and rib-knit cotton,bamboo/lycra, and the like. The presently preferred body 1 material ispolar fleece comprising 100% polyester filament fleece having a non-pillvelour side with low nap look, brushed on the other side and being 7.5to 9 oz cloth.

Suitable stiffening or stabilizing means 4 include for example,polyester mesh material known as Crin Trim and also known as horsehairbraid sold by Dritz; horsehair and viscose braid, a polyester, flat meshmaterial; polyester/rubber elastic; and neoprene cloth in various formsand in 1.5 mm and 3 mm thicknesses. Dritz horsehair is available in twoweights, regular and stiff; and two forms, tubular and flat. Presentlypreferred stiffening or stabilizing means 4 is regular 1 inch tubularDritz horsehair.

Attaching means as well as the edge protecting means may include, forexample, thermal adhesives, fabric glues, heat bonding, and stitchingwith thread. Presently preferred is stitching with thread. The attachingmeans and edge protecting means may be the same or different. Presentlypreferred is to use the same means for both.

The corresponding method of forming the assembled absorptive insulativecup sleeve which may have a cup inserted therein with only one hand andno need to open or hold open for the cup insertion will now bedescribed. The absorptive insulative cup sleeve is cut, preferably diecut, from a blank sheet or web of stock fabric. The blank sheet or webmay be embossed by a pair of calendar rolls prior to cutting theelongated bands therefrom. Similarly, printing of the outside surfacecan be carried out at an upstream position before embossing or cutting.Alternatively, the stock fabric can be printed and embossed beforehand.The top, bottom, and end edges of the elongated body 1 are cutpreferably at the same time by die cutting. The stiffening orstabilizing means 4 bands are likewise cut from a blank sheet or web ofstock stiffening material. A stiffening or stabilizing means 4 band isplaced on the inside upper portion of the absorptive insulative cupsleeve elongated body 1 such that the upper edge of the stiffening orstabilizing means 4 matches the upper edge of the absorptive insulativecup sleeve elongated body 1. They are fixedly attached to one another bybody edge protection means 2. The absorptive insulative cup sleeveelongated body 1 bottom edge has body edge protection means 3 added.

The assembled absorptive insulative cup sleeve in a normally relaxedcondition will hold itself open by the stiffening effect of thestiffening or stabilizing means 4 stiffening or stabilizing means 4allowing a cup to be inserted into the absorptive insulative cup sleevewith only one hand holding the cup. When not in use the absorptiveinsulative cup sleeve can be pressed flat and stored in a purse, pocket,vehicle storage bin, or the like taking up little space.

Because of the reusable nature of the absorptive insulative cup sleeveof the present invention the amount of waste material requiringrecycling or landfill burial is greatly reduced. And because thematerials for use with the present invention are moisture absorptive theholder helps prevent the hand and fingers holding a cup with an iceddrink from getting wet.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendisclosed, various changes and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims.

1. An absorptive insulative cup sleeve having a normally openconfiguration allowing one hand insertion of a beverage cup thereincomprising: a) an elongated absorptive fabric body having a top and abottom edge said edges being straight and in parallel with each otherhaving a desired width, said top and bottom edges having a top edge anda bottom edge protection means, and further having a first end edge anda second end edge at opposite ends of said elongated absorptive fabricband; b) an elongated stiffening means having a top and a bottom edgesaid edges being straight and in parallel with each other and having thesame length and dimensions as said elongated absorptive fabric body,also having a first end edge and a second end edge, the desired widthbeing less than that of said elongated absorptive fabric body; whereinsaid elongated stiffening means top edge is aligned with and fixedlyattached to the top edge of said elongated absorptive fabric body bysaid top edge protection means, and said first end edge and said secondend edge of said elongated absorptive fabric and of said elongatedstiffening means being fixedly attached together; thereby producing anabsorptive insulative cup sleeve that is normally held in an openconfiguration allowing for easy one hand insertion of a beverage cup andwhich may be collapsed for storage.
 2. The absorptive insulative cupsleeve as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said elongated stiffening means isadditionally fixedly attached along is bottom edge to said elongatedabsorptive fabric body.
 3. The absorptive insulative cup sleeve asclaimed in claim 1 wherein, said elongated absorptive fabric bodycomprises a fabric selected from the group consisting of syntheticfleece, natural woven fabric, natural felted fabric, synthetic wovenfabric, synthetic felted fabric, polar fleece, micro fiber fleece, 4-WayPower Stretch, Minky pile knit, interlock-knit cotton, rib-knit cotton,and bamboo/lycra.
 4. The absorptive insulative cup sleeve as claimed inclaim 1 wherein, said elongated absorptive fabric body comprises fromabout 7.5 ounce to about 9 ounce 100% polyester filament polar fleece.5. The absorptive insulative cup sleeve as claimed in claim 1 wherein,said elongated stiffening means is selected from the group consisting ofpolyester mesh Crin Trim, polyester mesh horsehair braid, polyester flatmesh horsehair and viscose braid, polyester/rubber elastic; andneoprene.
 6. The absorptive insulative cup sleeve as claimed in claim 1wherein, said elongated stiffening means is polyester mesh horsehairbraid.
 7. The absorptive insulative cup sleeve as claimed in claim 1wherein, said attaching means and said edge protecting means areselected from, thermal adhesives, fabric glues, heat bonding, andstitching with thread.
 8. The absorptive insulative cup sleeve asclaimed in claim 1 wherein, said attaching means and said edgeprotecting means are the same.
 9. The absorptive insulative cup sleeveas claimed in claim 1 wherein, said attaching means and said edgeprotecting means are the different.
 10. The absorptive insulative cupsleeve as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said preferred attaching means isstitching with thread.
 11. An absorptive insulative cup sleeve having anormally open configuration allowing one hand insertion of a beveragecup therein comprising: a) an elongated absorptive fabric body having atop and a bottom edge in arcuate form being concentric to and inparallel with each other having a desired width, said top and bottomedges having a top edge and a bottom edge protection means, and furtherhaving a first end edge and a second end edge at opposite ends of saidelongated absorptive fabric band; b) an elongated stiffening meanshaving a top and a bottom edge in arcuate form being concentric to andin parallel with each other and having the same length and arcuate formdimensions as said elongated absorptive fabric body, also having a firstend edge and a second end edge, the desired width being less than thatof said elongated absorptive fabric body; wherein said elongatedstiffening means top edge is aligned with and fixedly attached to thetop edge of said elongated absorptive fabric body by said top edgeprotection means, said bottom edge of said elongated stiffening means isfixedly attached to the elongated absorptive fabric body at a desiredpoint less than the width of said elongated absorptive fabric body by anattaching means, and said first end edge and said second end edge ofsaid elongated absorptive fabric and of said elongated stiffening meansbeing fixedly attached together; thereby producing an absorptiveinsulative cup sleeve that is normally held in an open configurationallowing for easy one hand insertion of a beverage cup and which may becollapsed for storage.
 12. The absorptive insulative cup sleeve asclaimed in claim 11 wherein, said elongated stiffening means isadditionally fixedly attached along is bottom edge to said elongatedabsorptive fabric body.
 13. The absorptive insulative cup sleeve asclaimed in claim 11 wherein, said elongated absorptive fabric bodycomprises a fabric selected from the group consisting of syntheticfleece, natural woven fabric, natural felted fabric, synthetic wovenfabric, synthetic felted fabric, polar fleece, micro fiber fleece, 4-WayPower Stretch, Minky pile knit, interlock-knit cotton, rib-knit cotton,and bamboo/lycra.
 14. The absorptive insulative cup sleeve as claimed inclaim 11 wherein, said elongated absorptive fabric body comprises fromabout 7.5 ounce to about 9 ounce 100% polyester filament polar fleece.15. The absorptive insulative cup sleeve as claimed in claim 11 wherein,said elongated stiffening means is selected from the group consisting ofpolyester mesh Crin Trim, polyester mesh horsehair braid, polyester flatmesh horsehair and viscose braid, polyester/rubber elastic; andneoprene.
 16. The absorptive insulative cup sleeve as claimed in claim11 wherein, said elongated stiffening means is polyester mesh horsehairbraid.
 17. The absorptive insulative cup sleeve as claimed in claim 11wherein, said attaching means and said edge protecting means areselected from, thermal adhesives, fabric glues, heat bonding, andstitching with thread.
 18. The absorptive insulative cup sleeve asclaimed in claim 11 wherein, said attaching means and said edgeprotecting means are the same.
 19. The absorptive insulative cup sleeveas claimed in claim 11 wherein, said attaching means and said edgeprotecting means are the different.
 20. The absorptive insulative cupsleeve as claimed in claim 11 wherein, said preferred attaching means isstitching with thread.